These are the top 5 mining, oil and gas jobs in terms of median earnings in 2012. These statistics were gathered by the Australian Government`s Department of Employment. While the numbers may have changed slightly since 2012, this information should give you a good idea of what you can earn in what area of the resources sector.

Number 5 Mining, Oil and Gas Jobs: Exploring and Support Services

Exploring involves finding and developing new resources. Geologists, geophysicists, engineers and their helpers are among the members that would make up the exploration team.

Support services can include anything from cooking meals at remote camps to working as a secretary in the executive`s office. The mean salary for this large group of people with a wide range of skill sets was $1759 per week. This figure and those that follow are full-time gross (before tax) earnings.

Number 4 Mining, Oil and Gas Jobs: Non-Metallic Mineral Mining

Non-metallic minerals include sand, stone, gravel, clay and other resources that are used in a variety of manufacturing industries.

For example, lime, gypsum, cement and glass manufacturing require non-metallic minerals. Jobs in this subcategory include equipment operators, managers, truck drivers, assistants and many others. The mean salary for this group in 2012 was $1800 per week.

Number 3 Mining, Oil and Gas Jobs: Oil and Gas Extraction

Mining oil and gas jobs are divided into different subcategories by different organizations. Australia`s Department of Employment groups all employees involved in oil and gas extraction into this single subcategory. The median salary is $1878 per week, but some workers may earn substantially more and others may earn substantially less.

The number of positions in this category has grown over the years and is expected to grow even more as new technologies are developed to make extraction easier, safer and more economical. By 2020, Australia is expected to lead the world in LNG production.

Number 2 Mining, Oil and Gas Jobs: Metal Ore Mining

Many of the mining oil and gas jobs in Australia involve the extraction or processing of metal ores that include iron, nickel, bauxite, copper, aluminum and zinc. The median weekly salary in this subcategory is $2071.

Number 1 Mining, Oil and Gas Jobs: Coal Mining

Coal mining is still number one in terms of average weekly earnings. Although the country itself is moving away from the use of fossil fuels, it is still the world`s largest exporter and the fourth largest producer of this important natural resource. The median weekly pay for coal miners is $2100.

When all of the subcategories are considered, the median salary is $2000 per week. This makes mining, oil and gas jobs some of the highest paying occupations in the country. There is no better time than now to get the training and tickets you need to get a high paying job in the world’s fastest growing mining industry.